ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Near record daily rainfall in central and northern New Mexico is possible later this week as the highly anticipated monsoon gets into full swing, meteorologists from the National Weather Service office in Albuquerque said during a Monday briefing.

Also, the U.S. Forest Service announced plans to reopen some of the forest lands located in New Mexico.

Chuck Jones, National Weather Service meteorologist, said a “burst of monsoon moisture” is expected to begin Wednesday late afternoon, mainly in northern and western areas, then peak Friday and Saturday covering most areas of the state before trending downward.

“We’re going to see an increase in moisture,” Jones said. “Obviously that means a ramp-up in shower and thunderstorm activity.”

Jones said erratic, nearly stationary storms Thursday and Friday will result in a very high flash flood threats across the state with sudden flows developing in arroyos, creeks and dry river beds.

High pressure to the north of the state will shift east, Jones said, allowing deep moisture from Mexico to arrive. Forecasters expect a second high to build over the southwest, but a low pressure area will hold over New Mexico, keeping the monsoon pattern active until late in the week.

Isolated locations could receive up to 2 inches of rainfall. A few storms could produce small hail and wind gusts.

“We’re really worried late in the week about flash flooding,” he said. “Of course, over the burn scars is our biggest concern.”

In the Albuquerque area, chances for rain will increase starting tonight with the best chance for moisture Thursday night and into Friday, according to the NWS forecast.

Forecasters expect high temps in the 80s each day through Sunday. Lows are expected in the 60s.